Timmy and the Penguin
This was inspired by an apocryphal tale about a school trip to Chester Zoo, back in the 1970's
It was school trip day for TimmyWith his classmates off to the zoo“This is boring.” they muttered to each other“Let’s find something else to do” So Timmy, Tommo and NedSnuck away from the rest of the classThe teacher wasn’t taking much noticeIt was quite an easy pass. They wandered over to the penguin poolAnd there they found a starA macaroni penguin called MaccaThe biggest show off by far He waddled around and played to the crowdWith hops and jumps and skipsHe’d dive in the pool then shoot straight upJust like some rocket ship “I recon I could catch him,”Said Timmy to his friends“Bet you can’t,” said Tommo and Ned“Bet you I can,” he said So the scene was set, the bets were placedAnd Timmy made a planHe’d play up to the show off, MaccaAnd grab him as soon as he can I’ll need something to put him inTimmy thought and scratched his headThen, I know, my United backpackHe shared it’s contents with Tommo and Ned Timmy waved and called to MaccaAnd enticed him round the poolBut Macca jumped back when Timmy LungedThis penguin was nobody’s fool But something the other side of the poolCaught Macca the penguin’s eyeWhen he turned his head Timmy made his moveGrabbed him and hoisted him high He swung Macca round quicklySo know one else would seeThen zipped him into his backpackThe three friends chortled with glee “Tea’s ready, Timmy,” said his mumAs he burst in through the front door“Won’t be a sec” shouted TimmyRan upstairs and shut the bathroom door He ran some water into the bathThen let Macca out of his packHe shook himself and flapped a bitWell this is a turn up, thought Mac But Timmy had run a warm bathNot thinking what penguins likeAnd Macca thought, “I’m not getting in thatYou can go and take a hike” “Get in, yer bugger,” said TimmyAnd a bit of a scuffle occurred“What on earth’s going on” said Timmy’s mumOpened the door and cried “This is absurd!” “Now what’s up?” his dad saidAnd joined them by the bath“They like cold water,” his dad laughedMum said “This is no time for mirth” So they put Macca in a cold bathWith Timmy keeping the door closedMacca swam up and down and splashed aboutTimmy was in for it now he supposed “That boy will be my death” Said Timmy’s mum “ what are we to do”“Just calm down” said Timmy’s dad“I’ll get on the phone to the zoo” So the penguin went back to his penguin matesAnd left Timmy soaking wetThat’s how Macca had an adventureAnd Timmy won his bet Colin South